(Reuters)
WASHINGTON, April 27 – Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in the United States on Monday for a four-day trip, welcomed by self-proclaimed royal fan Donald Trump even as the U.S. president has differed with the British government over the Iran war.
The state visit, by far the most high-profile and consequential of Charles’ reign, marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence from British rule, and is the first to the country by a British monarch in two decades.
After landing at Joint Base Andrews, the site of a brief arrival ceremony, Charles and Camilla proceeded to the White House, where they were greeted by Trump and first lady Melania Trump, who exchanged kisses on the cheek with the king and queen while the president shook their hands. The four stood briefly for photographers before retreating inside for a private tea.
The king and queen later appeared at a garden party at the British ambassador’s recently renovated residence, where a choir sang the British and American national anthems.
Charles and Camilla mingled with a crowd that included media leaders, Washington socialites and officials such as U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and ambassadors from other countries.
The week’s schedule also includes a Tuesday address to Congress, a lavish state dinner at the White House and a Wednesday stop in New York City. The Washington events take place with much of the capital city still on edge following the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner shooting on Saturday.
The king’s speech to Congress will last about 20 minutes, a palace source said. While written on the advice of the British government, much of the language and tone come from Charles himself, the source added.The king will note that while the UK and U.S. have not always agreed on all matters over the past 250 years, “time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together.” He will say that by defending their shared democratic values the two countries can promote security and prosperity for the world.
